Here is a little something for those who are not happy with their braking system, which being me for one.
I personaly think the 99 400 sport could use more
braking power, so that is what I set out to do.

1.I went to Russell brake lines but they said that they do not have the materials to dupilcate
my lines. That being said I set out to do this myself.

2.Working in the field of hydraulics I happen to have access to steel braid hose and fittings, so I decide to change all the lines,front rotors and front and back pads.

3.After some modifications (which seem to be always to the case with my 400 sport.) and some minor set backs I achived my boost in braking power.

4.I started this project in January and finally finished in March, since then I have been testing the brakes.
1.I do have more braking power.
2.Less fatigue with my braking hand.
3.Shorter stopping distance.

I am happy with my brake modifications and that being said I will leave you with this. I used Parker's steel braided hose, EBC's rotors, EBC's pads and Bel-Ray dot 5 brake fluid.

99 400 sport:RCR pipe, TMX 38 carb.,Boyesen Rad valve, K&N open filter, O'Neal bars, Douglas .190 alum. wheels with ITP Holeshots.

 

You can get the steel braided brake lines from ftr now they make them

 

Rictor,

I fail to see how you feel you ended up with better brakes? They may "look" better, but the changes you made will have very little affect on the performance.

1. The braided lines look good - no performance difference.

2. The EBC rotors - again no performance difference. For the most part a rotor is a rotor.

3. The EBC pads - ok maybe you can feel a difference here. Pads are new and possibly a different material. I'm with ya on this one.

The hydraulic actuaters, the hand lever, master cylinder, and calipers are the same. Hoses now look cool. Thus no hydraulic system difference. Where is the performance difference? Must be the pads.

DJ

 

Deej,
Steel braided brakes lines don't expand like rubber ones.

Rictor774, PARKER??????? OH NO!!!!!!!
I work for Aeroquip/Eaton, Parkers biggest competitor. Needless to say I also have access to steel braided brake lines. Was it worth the money?
c-ya,

 

Rictor774, Are your rotors vented or something?

 

DJ,
Braided lines do make a difference, when you apply the brakes the factory rubber lines expand like a balloon, and absorb a portion of the braking force. The braided lines act more like hard line and give better feel and shorter lever pull.
See Ya, Drew

 

I did the same to my 400 over the winter, incorporating the braided lines (Goodrich) with the HPD split brake kit, and EBC pads.

Steel braided lines are good looking and do increase braking performance over OEM rubber lines that have a tendancy to "flex" over time.

Every inch of my braking system, aside from the calipers, is fabricated or aftermarket. Although a costly mod to make, the ability to lock up either the front or rear calipers without effort is greatly appreciated.

 

True, steel braided covered brake lines don't expand like regular ones do, but that's highly dependent on the pressure we're talking about. I agree with Deej on this one. There's just not enough pressure produced by a manual hand lever to warrant the braided covered lines. The difference can only be minimal. It would be like taking a sugar pill that makes your brakes work better and believing it. I may be wrong though.

 

on my sportsman man i have no complaints about my braking.... sorta like the little but of effect needed to stop the machine becasue i can reall have contril over how much brake power i send to the pads


any way i usualy dont use my brakes i have EBS man does it work!

 

Rictir 774

What do you do with a rebuilt caliber that still drags (not as bad now as before)?

Is it a bad hose?

Do the pads need to break-in (new ones are thicker)?